Abstract
Self-assembled membranes of amphiphilic diblock copolymers enable comparisons of cohesiveness with lipid membranes over the range of hydrophobic thicknesses d = 3-15 nm. At zero mechanical tension the breakdown potential Vc for polymersomes with d = 15 nm is 9V, compared to 1V for liposomes with d = 3 nm. Nonetheless, electromechanical stresses at breakdown universally exhibit a V2c dependence, and membrane capacitance shows the expected strong d dependence, conforming to simple thermodynamic models. The viscous nature of the diblock membranes is apparent in the protracted postporation dynamics.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 208301 |
Pages (from-to) | 208301-1-208301-4 |
Journal | Physical Review Letters |
Volume | 87 |
Issue number | 20 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 12 2001 |